VFW, GAH Host Second Annual ‘A Day to Change Direction’

Oct. 28 campaign focuses on service and action to change the dialog on mental health

September 28, 2017

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Leading the national effort to change the barrier surrounding mental health, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and Give an Hour (GAH) are pleased to host their second annual “A Day to Change Direction” on Oct. 28, 2017.

Across the country, VFW Posts and Auxiliaries will host activities in their local communities that help change the dialogue on mental health not only for America’s veterans, but for our communities as well. Many Posts and Auxiliaries will also host a screening of Into the Light, a documentary about a Marine returning from Afghanistan with the invisible injuries of war who meets a therapist who is confronting her own family history of mental illness.

“A staggering 20 veterans commit suicide every day, yet only six of them were actually enrolled in VA care,” said VFW National Commander Keith Harman. “It is up to our nearly 1.7 million members of the VFW and Auxiliary to step up and start a dialog to help change the barrier and culture that oftentimes might deter someone from voluntarily seeking care. By working with our nation’s leading mental health organizations, the VFW is committed to reducing the veteran suicide rate to zero — one veteran at a time.”

About Change Direction: The Campaign to Change Direction, a national initiative to change the culture of mental health in America, encourages Americans to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-being. The Campaign is led by Give an Hour, a national nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to the military and veteran community. Change Direction addresses common barriers to understanding mental health and raises awareness about Five Signs that may indicate someone is suffering emotionally and needs help: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and hopelessness. Over 550 partner organizations are using their unique skills and opportunities to spread awareness. Organizations and individuals who are interested in learning more or making a pledge can visit www.changedirection.org.